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MNHQ needs your avoiding/surviving winter sniffles advice and tips.

135 replies

AbbyMumsnet · 13/01/2009 15:29

It's that time of year when the lurgies hit with a vengeance. So, regardless of whether you've survived unscathed so far or spent New Year's Eve under the duvet, clutching a hot water bottle, we'd appreciate your advice/tips etc on how to avoid colds, sniffles et al - and how to lessen the impact if you or your family does get hit by a horrible bug. What weird concoctions do you take? Cider vinegar? Sambucol? Whiskey? Do you swear by echinacea or some other strange herb grown in a yurt? And what happens in your home if ebola, sorry, we mean man-flu, strikes your poor partner becomes ill? Do world's collide? Do let us know your thoughts.

Thanking you kindly.

OP posts:
louii · 13/01/2009 15:49

Manuka honey. Thats it.

hewlettsdaughter · 13/01/2009 15:49

Try and get as much sleep as you can! (see here)

parachutes · 13/01/2009 15:44

For colds/sore throats/sore chests etc this always works (even for dh who somehow always manages to get the worst version going round): cup of tea (any type) and then add 2tsps of manuka honey, few slices of fresh ginger and a few slices of lemon?tastes really lovely but also clears these things up really quickly (works for headaches too).

RedOnHerHead · 13/01/2009 15:43

stick ill people in one room to whinge together about who is worse, and never, ever, under any circumstances, pass it on to your MIL, or else hell will break loose!

lulalullabye · 13/01/2009 15:43

Move to a warmer country

mckenzie · 13/01/2009 15:40

I don't know how to avoid one but vicks vapour smothered over the ball of the foot and instep at night, then put socks on if possible. Aids breathing. And also, eat lots of kiwi fruit (loads of vitamin C)

3littlefrogs · 13/01/2009 15:39

Wash your hands frequently and teach your family to do the same. Keep surfaces including piano keys and computer key boards clean and dry.

Use tissues to cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, and either flush them, or place in a sealed bag and take out to the bin regularly. Snotty tissues festering in a warm waste paper basket breed germs.

Don't shake hands if you have a cold.

TheDevilWearsPrimark · 13/01/2009 15:39

Avoid it by stockpiling dry goods, freezing vast quantities of milk and cheese and sealing off your house from october to march.

be sure to have lots of board games and books.

Hot steamy baths and whisky macks always help (not recommended for toddlers)

PuppyMonkey · 13/01/2009 15:38

Avoid bugs by staying in your house and never ever going out where you could come into contact with other people who might be ill.

Paperchase · 13/01/2009 15:31

Man flu. Just shoot them.